Young ballet dancers warm up for the Youth America Grand Prix regional semifinals at Dominican University Performing Arts Center in River Forest, Ill., Friday, Jan. 19, 2018. The organization awards more than $250,000 a year in scholarships to send young dancers to leading schools and dance companies to continue their training. (AP photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Alexis Schueller performs in the Youth America Grand Prix regional semifinals at Dominican University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, in River Forest, Ill. Chicago is one of more than 20 North American cities selecting finalists to compete in the finals in April at Lincoln Center in New York City. (AP photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Irina Dubrovska performs in the Youth America Grand Prix regional semifinals at Dominican University Performing Arts Center, Friday, Jan. 19, 2018, in River Forest, Ill. The organization awards more than $250,000 a year in scholarships to send young dancers to leading schools and dance companies to continue their training. (AP photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Young ballet dancers warm up for the Youth America Grand Prix regional semifinals at Dominican University Performing Arts Center in River Forest, Ill., Friday, Jan. 19, 2018. Chicago is one of more than 20 North American cities selecting finalists to compete in the finals in April at Lincoln Center in New York City. (AP photo/Nam Y. Huh)

AP PHOTOS: Talented young dancers compete in Chicago

Jan. 21, 2018

CHICAGO (AP) — Hundreds of ballet dancers between the ages of 9 and 19 have been auditioning in Chicago at the Youth America Grand Prix regional semifinals.

Chicago is one of more than 20 North American cities selecting finalists to compete in the finals in April at Lincoln Center in New York City. Semi-finals have also been held in several other countries, including China, Japan, Korea, France and Mexico, among others.

On Friday and Saturday in Chicago, the students attended workshops, competitions and dance classes. The organization awards more than $250,000 a year in scholarships to send young dancers to leading schools and dance companies to continue their training.